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REVIEW OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

In January 1999 the Northern Ireland Executive announced a Review of Public Administration as a means to delivering services and government more cheaply, more efficiently and more democratically.

Key themes of respondents to the public consultation on the review which ended in February 2004 were:

- Commitment to quality of service;

- Co-terminosity;

- Services delivered locally;

- More powers for local government.

The bones of the new model will include a two-tier system with the top tier including devolved government, department and regional agencies with responsibility for planning, strategy, standards and monitoring. Most service delivery will take place in the second tier at the sub-regional level through less then ten councils, agency local offices and health bodies.

All services will be delivered on a co-terminous basis with local councils responsible for the development of Community Plans drawing together the contributions of all service providers in the area.

The current 26 local councils will be replaced by seven new 'super-councils' which will have an enlarged and enhanced range of functions.

LOCAL COUNCILS IN NORTHERN IRELAND>>